A while back, I asked about transmission problems....sometimes my 94 240sx gets stuck in first gear or even second gear and will not shift. Sometimes it will eventually shift and if not, restarting the car fixes the problem - temporarily. It did this before and after the transmission rebuild. Someone (Nistech I think) suggested it could be the transmission control module since it happens even after the rebuild and is fixed when the car is restarted. I have learned to deal with the problem since I am a student and don't have a lot of moolah, however, I would like to take care of it in case it's putting extra strain on the transmission...I can't afford another rebuild. I would also like the car to run well for the day I actually decide to give it up. I finally called the dealer about a TCM and was told that the 94 doesn't have one...he wasn't sure when but said Nissan gave the TCM's job to the ECU. I am wondering if this is correct since I was told to check out the TCM before. I have four questions really:
1.)Is the ECU most likely what I need?
2.)Should I go with a junkyard/ebay used ECU or opt for an aftermarket one? The dealer wanted $1400 for the OEM one (YIKES!)
3.)What are the benefits of the aftermarket EUCs I've heard of? Would any difference in price over the used standard ECU be worth the cost difference? I'm not looking to race...just drive reliably.
4.)Do the aftermarket ECUs come programmed for the car and if not, where would I go about getting that done? Could I possibly do it myself?
If anyone could answer any or all of my questions, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm looking forward to getting my baby back in shape.
P.S. I have to get my power steering rack and pinion replaced. Is this typical of a 94 240sx with about 156,XXX miles?
ECU not TCM?
The '94 most certainly does have a TCM. Find somewhere to download the FSM, which I just referred to to confirm the TCM. It's got a bunch of troubleshooting and diagnostic stuff for the A/T. Do that first, and if you think you need a TCM, I've got one from a '93 that's identical to the '94. Do the diagnostics first, though. Wouldn't want you to buy something you don't really need.
BTW, are you a woman? Just curious. I figured you were by your username.
BTW, are you a woman? Just curious. I figured you were by your username.
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Ubernoober
- Posts: 539
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2004 6:51 pm
Local wrecking yards (recyclers) are a great source of cheap parts. An ECU should be ~$100 and a TCM a bit cheaper. This might just be the cheapest way to diagnose the problem. Simply buy a replacement and plug it in place of yours. If the problem goes away, viola!Unfortunately, once you buy a part from a recycler, you own it. No returns, though they generally give a 90 day exchange for a non-working part.
Yes, I am indeed a female. Thanks for the info. I found the TCM...looks like I'm going to have to work at getting it out...it's not in the most convenient place. I am pretty sure it's that and not the transmission itself - the transmission was rebuilt and the problem hasn't changed a bit. Plus, it's like it resets itself when I restart the car. How much would you want to for your TCM? Are you positive that it works? How would I go about getting it from you? I have paypal if that helps. I am going to the junkyard tomorrow. If they don't have a car with one on it, I'll check back to see what you say. Do you happen to know if any other cars use the same TCM? I know the altima has a lot of similar parts, although I'm not sure if they use the same transmission.
Altima is definitely a different transmission, because it's front-wheel drive. I have no idea if other TCMs will work, but I'll sell you the TCM for $50 shipped. If it doesn't work for you, I'll buy it back for the same $50. Fair enough? Let me know if you want it by emailing me at [email protected]
I was looking for an intake manifold to buy on e-Bay and chop up into a custom short-runner intake. The guy was parting his S13 and sent me the manifold, ECU, TCM, valve cover and a few other bits for the price. But, yeah, my garage looks like a 240 junkyard. Spare motor, spare transmission, LSD, etc.